What does the wiring look like on the starter? The questions ask are the right ones and the answer seem to be right.

What has me thinking is your answer about putting the Jumper cables on it and it starts right up. How old is the starter that is on it now. Have you always had the heat shield on it?
It maybe you wore the starter out before you fixed the problem which was the cables to begin with.

If the motor is drilled and tapped for the starter bolts then yes just about any starter should work.
This is the one I used. The link.

Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun!
It sucks not being able to hear!LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB!After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.